Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday directed the authorities concerned to ensure the early completion of the District Cardiac Cath Lab Project, aimed at providing state-of-the-art cardiac care facilities in every district of the province.
Under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the project has been launched across Punjab to strengthen district-level healthcare services and reduce the burden on major tertiary hospitals. Following the establishment of a cardiac cath lab at DHQ Hospital Jhelum, similar facilities in Jhang, Mianwali and Vehari have been completed and will be made functional shortly.
In the second phase of the project, cardiac cath labs will be established and made operational in Bhakkar, Chakwal, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Mandi Bahauddin, Rajanpur and Toba Tek Singh.
Each district-level cardiac cath lab will offer advanced services, including angiography, angioplasty and primary PCI. The availability of these facilities at the district level will make it possible to save the lives of heart patients reaching hospitals within the critical 60 to 90 minutes during cardiac emergencies.
The chief minister has also directed the Health Department to ensure the deployment of specialist doctors, interventional cardiologists and well-trained medical staff at district cardiology centres. To encourage skilled professionals to serve in district hospitals, a special pay package has been approved for doctors performing duties at district cardiac cath labs.
“All district-level, state-of-the-art cardiac cath labs will provide the best possible treatment for heart diseases in accordance with international SOPs,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She added that heart attack patients would no longer need to travel to major cities, as life-saving treatment would be available at nearby district hospitals.
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, the chief minister said the establishment of cardiac cath labs at the district level would significantly improve the healthcare system and reduce overcrowding at large hospitals. “Who could have imagined that DHQ hospitals would be equipped with cath labs offering advanced cardiac treatment?” she remarked.
Reaffirming her commitment, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Punjab government would fulfill its promise of providing quality and standard healthcare facilities at the doorstep of every citizen across the province.
Moreover, Maryam Nawaz congratulated the Pakistan Navy on the successful live-fire test of the LY-80 air defence missile system, terming it a significant milestone in further strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
In her message, the chief minister paid rich tribute to the Pakistan armed forces, scientists, and engineers for their professionalism and technical expertise, saying the successful test reflected their unwavering commitment to national security.
“By successfully conducting the live-fire test of the LY-80 air defence missile, Pakistan has achieved yet another important milestone in enhancing its defence preparedness,” Maryam Nawaz Sharif said. She added that such achievements are a matter of pride for the entire nation and a clear manifestation of Pakistan’s growing self-reliance and resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.
Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in a tragic collision between a rickshaw and a motorcycle in Dera Ghazi Khan. In her condolence message, the chief minister extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, sharing in their pain and sorrow. She offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for patience and strength for the grieving families to bear the irreparable loss. CM Maryam Nawaz described the loss of human lives in road accidents as deeply distressing and stressed the need for greater care, responsibility, and adherence to traffic rules to prevent such tragic incidents.